“Patients came from as far away as Bundaberg, Mitchell, Cunnamulla and Nockatunga, which is more than 900 kilometres away.

“The service will be available to all within the community.

“We look forward to patients having timely access to dental care to improve their overall health and wellbeing.”

The turning of the first sod at St George on Wednesday 6 April was attended by Balonne Shire Mayor Richard Marsh, previous Mayor Donna Stewart and representatives of UQ, Goondir and Hutchinson Builders.

The establishment of the four-chair clinic is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health.